Release of Captain

1998 marked the year where the public became actively aware of Idlewild, who kicked off the year with their first UK tour, supporting the band Midget . The release of Captain , on 18 January, received positive reviews in the NME , Melody Maker and Kerrang! . In February the band re-entered the studio, again with Tipler, to record their first full-length album for Food. Two singles were released before the album’s release, A Film for the Future (compared to Nirvana ‘s ” Smells Like Teen Spirit ” by one journalist ) and ” Everyone Says You’re So Fragile “. Both singles helped to expand the band’s growing fanbase alongside notable appearances at summer festivals. October marked the arrival of their debut album Hope Is Important which the band now describes as “a confused, skewered, noisy, sad pop record”. Further singles from the album included, ” I’m a Message ” and fan favourite, ” When I Argue I See Shapes “. Tours supporting Ash , Placebo and Manic Street Preachers followed the release.